After five years of silence, there is an unexpected turn of events: Vilnius Municipality announced that the legendary Albert Bridge, connecting A. Goštauto and Upės streets, will be built. A construction permit was issued in early May, and the procurement of construction works is planned to begin this year. If everything goes according to plan, pedestrians and cyclists could use this bridge as early as 2027.
But is this infrastructure project really necessary for the city? This is the question that many Vilnius residents are asking this week.
Although the idea of the Albert Bridge sounded promising back in 2019, for a long time the project seemed abandoned. The townspeople were already beginning to doubt whether the bridge would ever see the light of day. However, this May the municipality unexpectedly announced the issuance of a construction permit, a sign that the project is finally moving forward.
According to municipal representatives, the bridge will improve movement between Žvėrynas, Saltoniškės and the central part of the city, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, who are currently forced to maneuver between cars or use distant connections.
Criticism: Why another bridge?
Despite the progress, the project has been met with skepticism from the very beginning. Critics point out that two bridges already stand just a few hundred meters apart – the Žvėrynas and the Geležinios Vilkas. So why do we need a third one?
"The city center is already overcrowded with infrastructure - is it really worth investing in a bridge when the quality of existing connections can be strengthened?" some citizens ask.
Pros: The city is expanding
However, there is also no shortage of arguments in favor. Over the past few years, new business centers have sprung up in the Saltoniškės and Žvėrynas districts, and pedestrian and car traffic has increased significantly. In addition, in the near future, it is planned to establish a ministerial campus on the territory of the former University of Education, so the needs for people's movement in this area will only increase even more.
The Albert Bridge would be dedicated exclusively to non-motorized transport – meaning safer, faster and more environmentally friendly travel by bike or on foot. It would not only make it easier to get to the centre, but would also reduce pressure on other bridges.
What do the people of Vilnius think?
Discussions are heating up – some welcome the decision and are happy with the progress, while others believe the project is not a priority. Public questions about investment priorities, preservation of greenery, and the real benefits of the new bridge are increasingly being raised.
We want to ask you, is the new Albert Bridge over the Neris River necessary?
